Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station

The Basics

The wellbeing of the turtles and their hatchlings depends on delicate circumstances. Therefore, it’s best to visit the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station as part of a tour with an experienced guide. The conservation station is often included in safari jeep tours of the Akamas Peninsula, which typically stop at other area attractions like Avakas Gorge and the Baths of Aphrodite. Most tours offer the chance to browse the exhibits in the station and look for hatchlings, depending on the season.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lara Bay Turtle Conservation is a must for nature and animal lovers.

• If you plan on spending a few hours at the beach, bring water and snacks.

• Neither the conservation station nor the beach are wheelchair friendly; rocky and uneven surfaces make access difficult.

How to Get There

Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station is on Lara Beach, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of Paphos, Cyprus. The access road to Lara Beach is rough and unpaved; it’s best suited to travelers with a four-wheel drive.

When to Get There

Egg-laying season usually lasts from May to August. This is the best time to go—you’ll have a higher chance of seeing newly hatched turtles in the conservatory’s water tanks.

Wildlife at Lara Beach

Wildlife thrives on the remote and undeveloped Lara Beach, and turtles aren’t the only species you might spy. You may also see goats, as well as mouflons, a kind of wild sheep unique to Paphos. Nearer the shore, you may spot seals, which are known to frequent the nearby sea caves.

Is it possible to see sea turtles nesting or hatching at the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station?

Yes, if your visit to Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station is during the breeding season from May to August, you may spot turtles nesting. In August baby turtles hatch, and sometimes lucky observers spot the tiny turtles as they make their precarious journey across the beach into the sea.

Are there any rules or guidelines visitors should follow at the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station?

Yes, you can help ensure the welfare of the turtles at the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station. While visiting Lara Beach, keep clear of roped-off areas and any active nests, which can be identified by the metal cages protecting them. You also should refrain from touching or moving hatched turtles.

Can visitors participate in guided tours or educational programs at the conservation station?

Yes, but educational tours and programs are only available at select times of the year, typically during the breeding season from May to August. You can learn more about the conservation efforts at the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station any time through information displays at the station.

Are there any admission fees or donations required to visit the conservation station?

No, the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station does not require an admission fee and donations are not taken, as the station is simply an open-air structure with no security. The efforts at the station are funded directly by the government of Cyprus and are typically supported by volunteers.

Are there any nearby beaches or attractions worth visiting after seeing the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station?

Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station is close to many attractions on the Akamas Peninsula, including Akamas National Forest Park. On the way to Lara Beach, you will pass the impressively rugged Avakas Gorge Canyon, as well as several beaches, including Toxeftra Beach and White River Beach.

What facilities are available at the Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station?

There are no public facilities such as restrooms, changing rooms, or food kiosks at Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station. The nearest places to buy food are located south on the next bay. To reach these cafés, travel along the coast on a similar access road, off the main dirt road.